What is - EKADASHI?

Ekadashi is the 11th day of each half of the month in the Vedic lunar calendar. The word is of Sanskrit origin and it actually means "11". Roughly said, Ekadashi occurs twice a month. Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Krishna, fast on this day.

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The fast itself does not have to be very strict. The key point is to praise the Lord Krishna and devote the day to chanting, praying, reading religious texts and similar acts. The fast is done by avoiding eating grains, beans and anything made from this sort of food - bread, pasta etc. All the fruits (fresh and dried) are allowed along with some vegetables, spices and other things. Therefore, some people would pick to fast on fruits and water, some only on water while those who can - might even go without water. Some people would also avoid grains or any kind of food a day or two before Ekadashi so that there would not be any remains of this particular kind of food in the stomach/guts.

As it was mentioned already - the key point is to praise the Lord Krishna and devote the day to chanting, praying, reading religious texts and similar acts. By doing a fast, a person dedicates more time to that during the day. The fast is like an instrument how to do it rather than just being the purpose to itself. Ekadashi is the day devoted to God and ourselves as well. On this day some might go to temple or local Hare Krishna community and celebrate Ekadashi by singing and chanting, while others do it in silence of their minds in nature or at home.

Of course, being a Krishna devotee is not a "must" for doing Ekadashi. Many people of other religions do it as well and praise God or simply devote the day to themselves - as we are all one God's creation, each of us carries a divine light inside. Those people would rather meditate, do yoga, pray or simply pay more attention to respect other people around themselves and do good deeds than chanting Lord Krishna's name. Being a better person and do good things for a good cause is always right.

Ekadashi starts from midnight and continues the whole day till the sunrise of the day after. There is usually a certain point of time when you should stop the fast by eating a bit of grains. The rest of the day is up to you. It is always good to check a website of your local Hare Krishna community to see the exact date and time of Ekadashi for your time zone. Along with that it is also recommended to plan out the meals a day or two before Ekadashi according to the allowed food.

 Have you ever fasted on Ekadashi?
Let us know about your experience!

...thank for your existance

How to get ready for Yoga classes?

If you are planning to join Yoga classes, this is the right article for you!

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1. Different types of Yoga classes?

- first of all you should decide which Yoga classes to take. Talk to your Yoga instructors and tell them what you want to achieve through Yoga classes and how fit you actually are. Consider their advices and opt for the Yoga technique that suits you the most.

2. What to take to Yoga class?

- comfortable stretchable clothes are a must. Forget jeans, fashionable clothes etc. These classes are not a fashion show, be as comfortable as you can and enjoy. You can also take a bottle of water in case you get thirsty.

2. Before Yoga class?

- try to be hydrated and not to eat too much food before the class. You can also come few minutes earlier and do a bit of stretching.

3. At Yoga class?

- relax and enjoy. Be comfortable. If you have long hair, put them up in a bun or pony tail. Whenever you feel like, close your eyes.

4. After Yoga class?

- again relax in a position you are most comfortable in for some time. Slowly get up and get ready for going out. Take a warm shower when you come home, refresh, eat some light food and get ready for the rest of the day. Yoga will revive your energy and calm you down at the same time so - listen to your body carefully after first few classes so that you can direct the energy flow in the right things.

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Here are also some tips for you if you are a beginner at Yoga: Yoga - for beginners!

Yoga

Yoga - for beginners!

Nowadays Yoga is very popular in Western countries. Yoga is a wide term which is usually used for physical, mental and spiritual practices. It has been practised for centuries on Indian subcontinent. Some of the famous Bollywood actors and actresses promote yoga and use it to stay fit - For example Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Here you can see 2 simpler yoga exercises - Suryanamaskar and Kapalabhati - which can help you tone up your body. Remember to drink a lot of water and try to stay away from junk food. Your body will be grateful for such a lovely treat and you will feel better in general.

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What is Suryanamaskar?

...also known as Sun Salutation. It is a sequence of movements that is in a traditional Hindu context performed facing the sun. Here is a brief summary of the movements: 

Surya namaskar

What is Kapalabhati?

 ... a yogic system of body cleansing techniques. It influences the brain and small brain in a good manner. It involves short and strong forceful exhalations and inhalation happens automatically. In the following video you can check how the exercises look: